– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 cup vegetable oil
– 4 large eggs
– 2 cups grated carrots (about 4 medium carrots)
– 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
– 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Cream cheese frosting (optional for topping)
Creating these Carrot Cake Bars is simple if you follow these easy steps:
1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the vegetable oil, eggs, grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well blended.
4. Add Wet to Dry: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredient mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Fold in Nuts: If using, fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans gently into the batter.
6. Pour Batter: Transfer the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
7. Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean when done.
8. Cool: Once baked, remove from the oven and let the bars cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Frost (Optional): If desired, spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top once cooled.
10. Slice and Serve: Cut into bars and serve, enjoying the delicious flavors.
Following these steps will guide you to create incredibly moist and delicious Carrot Cake Bars that will impress everyone.